NumisMedia Weekly Market Report
Current News and Analysis of the
United States Rare Coin Market
March 16, 2009

Early Release Ultra High Relief $20 Gold in Demand
The Ultra High Relief $20 Gold continues to command much of the attention of dealers on the teletypes. Even though the deadlines for receiving Early Release designations at the grading services has passed, several dealers continue to offer buy/sell spreads on these coins. Prices range from $1,400 to $2,100 depending on whether an uncertified coin is still in the unopened box or if the coin has been certified as an MS70 Early Release. We will keep you updated on prices as we receive more information. It will be especially important to know how many coins receive the Early Release label.

The Portland ANA was much better than most dealers expected. There are still lots of buyers with money to spend; they may be a little fussy but they do want coins. Attendance was spirited throughout most of the show until Sunday, which was just a little slow. Many dealers sold substantial quantities of coins from their inventories that ranged in price from $100 coins to $5,000. Further, it seems like there are many buyers for “raw” coins in this market. Coins that are more expensive seem to be picking up again, but most are still being discounted. Many of the changes in this week’s HD Wholesale Market Dealer Price Guide are declines, that is, until you get into the U.S. Gold series.

The most active segment of U.S. Gold is generics. Collectors and investors are looking for coins that are as close to bullion value as can be expected. Of course, this creates the problem of demand forcing premiums to higher than normal levels. Ten Dollar and Twenty Dollar Gold are the strongest series, although even the $5 Gold is now seeing brisk demand. Most of the common dates from Very Fine through MS64 have higher Market values this week. The Wholesale Market for $20 Saints increased in every grade from Very Fine through MS65 in the last two weeks.